Did 31 January come and go in a blur of panic, missing receipts and late‑night guessing at numbers? If you’re reading this thinking, “That was me,” please know you are not alone. Every year thousands of self‑employed people and small business owners promise themselves, “Next year I’ll be more organised,” and then life happens. The work, the family, the unexpected dramas – and the bookkeeping slides to the bottom of the list until January. This blog is for you if: ·        You

Have you ever sat in a charity meeting where the numbers were being discussed, but the real tension was in the room rather than on the numbers? Over the years, working as an interim finance manager and accounting consultant to charities, I’ve learned that pressure in the sector rarely lives in just one place. It sits in deadlines, funding expectations, board responsibilities — and very often, in relationships. Recently, I’ve seen it play out in different ways: A staff member

Your bookkeeping system should make life easier Many charities and CICs sign up to Xero or QuickBooks because they’ve heard it will “save time” and “make reports easier”, but then end up using only the basics. Invoices get posted, bank feeds run in the background, but restricted funds, projects and real management reports are still done in spreadsheets or not at all. If your software feels clunky, confusing or still leaves you doing lots of manual work, chances are it just ha

Managing the finances of a limited company or community interest company (CIC) can feel like navigating a maze. Profit and Loss reports, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts often come with complex terms that leave many business owners confused or overwhelmed. If you find yourself nodding along in meetings but secretly unsure about what the numbers really mean, you are not alone. Understanding your financial reports is key to making confident decisions and steering your bu

Do you sit in charity finance meetings looking at the Statement of Financial Activities, balance sheet and cash flow reports… and secretly feel completely lost? Maybe you’re a brilliant project lead, CEO or trustee, but when the numbers come up, you nod along and hope no one asks you a question. You are not the only one. Many charity people have never had formal finance training, yet are expected to read complex reports, make big decisions and sign off budgets. The problem i

Managing finances in a charity can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to make the most of every penny while ensuring your mission thrives. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with small charities, bookkeepers, and accountants, helping them master their budgets and feel confident about their financial decisions. Today, I’m excited to share some top budgeting advice for charities that can make a real difference in your day-to-day operations. Budgeting doesn’t have to be c

Managing finances for a Community Interest Company (CIC) can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to make the most of every pound while staying true to your social mission. I’ve been there, and I know how important it is to have a clear, practical budget that supports your goals without causing stress. In this post, I’ll share some warm, encouraging advice to help you create a budget that works for your CIC. Whether you’re a small charity, a bookkeeper, or an accountant, t

When I first started working with small charities and bookkeepers, I quickly realised how crucial it is to keep charity accounts in perfect order. It’s not just about ticking boxes or meeting legal requirements. Reviewing charity accounts is a powerful way to build trust, improve financial health, and ensure every penny is used wisely. If you’re managing accounts for a charity or supporting one with QuickBooks, this post is for you. Let’s explore why reviewing charity account

Over the years, I’ve had the honour of working with a wide range of charities as an interim Finance Manager . Each role has given me invaluable insight into how charities really function behind the scenes — not just on paper, but in day-to-day reality. One recurring theme stands out again and again: communication . When communication isn’t clear, small issues quietly grow into big problems. What I’ve Seen in Practice Here are some common challenges I’ve repeatedly encountered

Managing finances for a charity can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to make the most of every pound donated while ensuring your organisation stays financially healthy. Whether you’re a small charity, a bookkeeper, or an accountant supporting charities, mastering uk charity budgeting is essential. I’m here to share practical, expert tips that will help you create clear, effective budgets that empower your charity to thrive. Budgeting doesn’t have to be daunting. With

Managing finances for small charities and community interest companies (CICs) can feel like a juggling act. You want to make every penny count while ensuring your organisation thrives and serves its mission well. Over the years, I’ve learned that mastering budgeting tactics tailored for CICS financial planning is a game-changer. It not only brings clarity but also builds confidence in your financial decisions. Let’s dive into some practical, upbeat strategies that will help y

Every year, Christmas reminds us of the importance of joy, generosity, and togetherness. As someone who adores the festive season, it’s always been my goal to make people smile—whether it’s with a spreadsheet or a song! Many are surprised when they hear an accountant is also a champion of happiness, but being “The Joyful Accountant” is who I am, especially this time of year. Back in 2022, I had the honour of becoming the UK Laughing Champion, celebrating the power of laughter

Managing finances can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. Whether you’re handling the books for a small charity, supporting clients as a bookkeeper, or using QuickBooks to keep accounts in order, having a clear financial strategy is essential. That’s where financial coaching comes in. It’s a warm, supportive way to build your confidence and skills around money management. Today, I want to share what financial coaching is all about, why it matters, and how it

Managing finances can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. Whether you’re running a small charity, working as a bookkeeper, or handling accounts for a growing organisation, having the right tools and support makes all the difference. That’s where QuickBooks consulting services come in. They offer tailored guidance to help you get the most out of your accounting software, making your financial management smoother and more efficient. Let me walk you through the many advantage

Managing finances in a small charity or nonprofit can feel like juggling too many balls at once. You want to focus on your mission, but the numbers need attention too. I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can be. The good news is, with some practical steps and a bit of guidance, you can improve your financial management and feel more confident about your organisation’s future. Let’s explore some effective nonprofit financial improvement strategies that can help you

Burnout is a common issue in the workplace. However, incorporating simple practices can help alleviate stress and promote well-being. The Escape 2 Happiness Island model provides a framework for individuals to engage in activities that foster relaxation and happiness. Here are some practical strategies to implement at work: 1. Take Regular Breaks Short breaks throughout the day can significantly reduce stress levels. Consider the following: Step away from your desk every hou

Managing the finances of a small charity can feel overwhelming. There are donations to track, grants to manage, expenses to record, and reports to prepare. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach and tools, charity bookkeeping solutions can become straightforward and even enjoyable. I want to share some practical tips and insights that will help you keep your books in order, save time, and focus more on your mission. Why Charity Bookkeeping Solutions Ma

Running a small charity or managing accounts as a bookkeeper can sometimes feel overwhelming. There’s so much to keep track of, from...

When I first started working with small charities, I quickly realised how crucial charity-focused accounting practices are. These...

Managing the finances of a small charity or nonprofit can feel overwhelming. There are so many details to track, reports to generate, and...